Net Neatly: The Top Mesh Wi-Fi Systems of 2023 for Uninterrupted Connectivity
Poor Wi-Fi connectivity is a common problem that many people face. Dead zones, slow internet speeds, and dropped connections can be frustrating, especially if you're working from home, streaming movies, or playing online games.
Choosing the best mesh Wi-Fi systems can ensure seamless connectivity throughout your home or office, leading to faster speeds and a better overall user experience. In addition, with multiple nodes placed strategically throughout the space, mesh Wi-Fi systems can eliminate dead zones and provide a reliable connection for all devices.
Top 5 Mesh Wi-Fi Systems of 2023
1. Eero 6 Pro
The Eero 6 Pro is a reliable mesh Wi-Fi system that offers impressive speed and coverage for homes of all sizes. Its tri-band design ensures minimal network congestion, while the automatic updates keep your network secure from threats. In addition, the Eero 6 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, providing faster speeds and better performance for multiple devices.
With an easy-to-use app, you can set up the system in minutes and customize settings to meet your needs. The Eero 6 Pro also integrates with smart home devices, allowing for seamless control and automation of your connected home.
2. Netgear Orbi RBK753
The Netgear Orbi RBK753 is a top contender in the mesh Wi-Fi market, offering extensive coverage and high-speed performance. This tri-band system supports Wi-Fi 6, increasing capacity and efficiency for multiple devices.
In addition, the Orbi RBK753 features advanced cybersecurity protection through the Netgear Armor subscription service, keeping your network safe from hackers and malware. The user-friendly app allows easy setup and customization, while the dedicated backhaul ensures a stable connection between the router and satellites.
With its sleek design and high performance, the Orbi RBK753 is for demanding users and large homes.
3. TP-Link Deco X60
The TP-Link Deco X60 is an affordable and efficient mesh Wi-Fi system with a sleek, compact design. This system supports Wi-Fi 6, allowing for fast connections and efficient handling of multiple devices. In addition, the Deco X60 provides seamless roaming, ensuring stable connections as you move around your home.
Your network remains safe from threats with advanced security features, including parental controls and antivirus protection. The easy-to-use Deco app makes setup and management a breeze, while compatibility with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT allows for convenient smart home integration.
4. Google Nest Wi-Fi
Google Nest Wi-Fi is a user-friendly and stylish mesh Wi-Fi system with robust performance and expansive coverage. The system features a router and satellite points, which also function as smart speakers with Google Assistant built-in. In addition, the Nest Wi-Fi supports dual-band connections and prioritizes traffic to ensure smooth performance.
Users can quickly set up the system, manage devices, and monitor network health with an intuitive app. The Google Nest Wi-Fi also offers advanced security features, such as automatic updates and guest network access, to keep your network secure.
5. Linksys Velop MX10
The Linksys Velop MX10 is a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system that offers exceptional coverage and speed for large homes and demanding users. With support for Wi-Fi 6, this system can handle numerous devices without compromising performance. The Velop MX10 features a tri-band design, ensuring a stable connection and minimal network congestion.
Its intelligent mesh technology optimizes Wi-Fi connections, providing seamless roaming throughout your home. The Linksys app makes setup and customization easy, while the system's compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant ensures seamless integration with your smart home ecosystem.
Honorable Mentions: Mesh Wi-Fi Systems of 2023
Asus ZenWiFi XT8
The Asus ZenWiFi XT8 is a top-tier mesh Wi-Fi system that balances performance and aesthetics. It features Wi-Fi 6 technology, delivering faster speeds and improved network efficiency. In addition, the ZenWiFi XT8 offers seamless roaming across a large coverage area, making it ideal for multi-story homes and large properties.
It's easy to set up, manage, and monitor through the Asus Router App. The system also includes AIProtection Pro for enhanced security and parental controls, ensuring a safe browsing experience for the whole family.
Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien
The Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien boasts a unique, futuristic design and delivers lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6 performance. It offers a robust mesh system, ensuring whole-home coverage and minimal dead spots. The intuitive AmpliFi app allows for easy setup, management, and troubleshooting.
The Alien also supports gigabit ethernet ports and a touchscreen display for real-time network status updates. While the Alien may be slightly more expensive than competitors, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment.
D-Link Covr
The D-Link Covr mesh Wi-Fi system is designed for simple, comprehensive coverage across your home. With its sleek, unobtrusive design, the Covr nodes blend seamlessly into any room. The system supports Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing faster speeds and greater efficiency for multiple devices.
Its user-friendly D-Link Wi-Fi app allows for easy setup and management, including parental controls and guest network options. In addition, Covr's Smart Steering technology optimizes network performance by intelligently selecting the best band for your devices.
Arris Surfboard Max
The Arris Surfboard Max mesh Wi-Fi system is a high-performance solution for large homes and busy networks. It features Wi-Fi 6 technology for faster speeds and improved network efficiency, even with multiple connected devices. The Surfboard Max provides broad coverage, ensuring every corner of your home receives a strong signal.
The Arris Surfboard Central app simplifies setup and network management, offering advanced security features and parental controls. Its modern, minimalist design fits well in any home.
Amazon eero 6
The Amazon eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi system provides a reliable, affordable solution for seamless home connectivity. Supporting Wi-Fi 6 technology, the eero 6 delivers fast speeds and increased efficiency for multiple devices. It's compatible with Alexa, making it easy to manage your network with voice commands.
The eero app streamlines setup and management, offering features like content filtering and device prioritization. Though it may not offer the same level of performance as higher-end competitors, the eero 6's affordability and ease of use make it a popular choice for many users.
How To Set Up and Optimize Your Mesh Wi-Fi System
1. Placement Tips for Optimal Coverage
Set up a mesh Wi-Fi system for optimal coverage. Start by placing the main router at a central location in your home or office. Additional nodes should be strategically positioned to avoid signal interference and provide seamless connectivity. Ensure nodes are within range of each other, preferably with a clear line of sight.
Avoid placing devices near large metal objects, concrete walls, or electronic appliances that may cause interference. Elevate nodes when possible to minimize obstructions and maximize signal strength. Lastly, use network mapping tools or mobile apps to fine-tune node placement for the best coverage.
2. Wi-Fi Channel Selection
Selecting the right Wi-Fi channel can significantly improve your mesh network's performance. Channels with minimal interference provide faster and more stable connections. Choose channels that are not overlapping with neighboring networks to avoid congestion.
For 2.4 GHz bands, stick to channels 1, 6, or 11, as they don't overlap. For 5 GHz bands, use channels with the least traffic. Some mesh systems automatically select the best channel based on current conditions. However, it's still advisable to manually check and adjust channels periodically.
Use Wi-Fi analyzer tools to identify the least congested channels and configure your mesh system accordingly.
3. Network Security Best Practices
To ensure the security of your mesh Wi-Fi system, follow these best practices:
Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network and change it periodically.
Enable WPA3 encryption if available, or use WPA2 if WPA3 is not supported.
Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) as attackers can exploit it.
Create separate networks for guests and IoT devices to isolate them from your main network.
Disable remote management to prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly update your mesh system's firmware to patch security vulnerabilities.
Monitor your network for any suspicious activity or unauthorized devices.
4. Regular Firmware Updates
Firmware updates are crucial to maintaining your mesh Wi-Fi system's performance, security, and stability. Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs, improve security, and add new features. To keep your network running smoothly and securely, regularly check for updates and install them as soon as they are available.
It can update most mesh systems via a mobile app or web interface. Enable automatic updates if the option is available. However, always ensure a stable power source during the update process to avoid damaging your devices. Keep track of firmware release notes to stay informed about the changes and improvements in each update.
